Approximately 140 prospective immigrants were forced to postpone their planned arrival in Israel this week following the closure of Ben-Gurion Airport on Sunday amid the start of Operation Roaring Lion, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry said.

The temporary shutdown of Israel’s main international gateway at the start of the week led to the cancellation of flights for new immigrants who had been scheduled to land between March 1 and March 7. The affected olim were set to arrive from countries including Russia, the United States, France, Argentina, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Belgium.

According to the ministry, some of those impacted are individuals making aliyah alone, while others are families with children who had already finalized preparations for their move. Many had sold property, left jobs, withdrawn children from schools, and said farewell to relatives before learning that flights had been canceled and the country’s primary air route temporarily closed.

Upon arrival, the immigrants had been scheduled to settle in cities across the country, including Netanya, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Haifa, Jerusalem, Ashdod, Beersheba, Ra’anana, and Nahariya. They were also expected to enter state-supported absorption programs, including housing assistance, Hebrew-language ulpan courses, and employment placement services.

Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer expressed support for the security establishment and government leadership, saying, “I have no doubt that the defeat of the Iranian enemy will strengthen the State of Israel and lead to a significant increase in aliyah, driven by strength and the desire to take part in the Zionist story. Once flights to Israel resume, we will act to assist all immigrants who were forced to postpone their aliyah.”

The ministry said it remains in direct contact with the affected immigrants and is monitoring developments regarding the reopening of air travel. No new arrival dates have yet been announced.